People killing people dying
Children hurtin you hear them crying
Can you practice what you preach
Would you turn the other cheek?
Father Father Father help us
Send some guidance from above
Cause people got me got me questioning
Where is the love?
– Black Eyed Peas

For the past week, I’ve been listenning to this song a bunch. It’s catchy, got a great beat and melody and most importantly- great message. After worship and offering yesterday, this song started playing before Pastor Brett preached. Coincidence much?

There are people in our life who we don’t like as much, some we might even call enemies. We see them around, we give them a glare, turn around and talk to our friends about them. How do you think that makes them feel? I commit this sin ALL the time- I am not perfect. If we, individually, try to love them- we will get very impatient and it will be impossible for us to show love.

Upgraded love requires God, Knowledge, Insight and Stretching.

God is our one and only source of love to love others. If we have love based on what the world around us tells you, eventually you will be disappointed. Have insight on-your friend, boyfriend/girlfriend, spouse or whoever it might be- know their love language, know  how they express themselves and the way in which they like to recieve love.

Love requires Stretching, sacrificing yourself to Love others. Sacrificial Love. You have to be intentional about putting yourself in positions that will require you to stretch yourself, leave your boundaries to love those who might be different from you. To love beyond what is a routine, to Trust and Allow God to work in you. Love in a way that’s inconvient to you. For example, DON’t take someone out to dinner that can take you back out the next time- but take someone to dinner who is incapable of taking you out and can’t return the favor.

In addition, love without exterior motives. Many people talk to others, or love others because they want to get something out of it. It’s one of the worse feelings to know that someone is talking to you to quote en quote use you. Some Christians do the same thing, they love non-christians because they want them to become a Christian. I’m not saying you shouldn’t show God to them – but when you love with your whole heart, without exterior motives, everything will follow. God will work through you and show himself to them.

But all that is impossible without trusting in God.

It’s not about trying harder, it’s about trusting more.

Have a great day,
Joanne.

Senior sleep over two nights ago at Lamma was a blast. We played guitar hero and the Wii till late hours of the night and early morning. We talked about our summer, talked about plans for the year. I am really looking forward to Encounter this year.

Somethings occured to me this past week. I’ve heard the word “service” a lot from different places which I believe is a sign. This year will be a service year, for all of us to help one another, to go out into the world and do something for those in need.

ONE: In FISH, we are planning to plan two mission trips this year, one to Cambodia and another to the Philippines. HKIS has never had mission trips until last year, and everyone enjoyed it.
TWO:During Film Club, out of no where, our advisor was talking to us and wanted us to re-focus film club to making films and short movies for the different service clubs around the school.
THREE: Two nights ago at Encounter, Tim also mentioned how he wants this year have do more servicing. To go out, help with po leung kok, help with whatever that will make a different in this world. To organizations that care about these kids without anything.n Finally, during church today, one of the main points that was learnt was to have a vision for a life of impact… a vision that is bigger than your own life. Blows my mind away thinking about how great this year can be.

We also had a special group of kids at our church today, performing, singing and dancing. The Watoto’s children’s choir from Uganda, East Africa. They are kids who have lost one or both their parents due to AIDS, war and such. The were amazing, the way they sing and dance, the way the smile of their face overwelmes you, the joy they have from being a part of Watoto despite their past. It wasn’t so much watching them sing and dance as a concert, but as worship.

It was a pretty overwelming morning, from having to watch Jon go back to Macau early this morning to sitting at church watching these kids who have been through so much, I was tearing up. It was hard saying good-bye at the ferry terminal. Afterwards, I stood outside the ferry terminal against the railing for a few minutes gathering my thoughts before leaving. I wish Jon could’ve been there with me at church, watching these joyful kids spread the love of God, sharing their faith and worshipping God together with all of us.

Second school of week here I come.
Senior year here I come.

A year of service here we come.

School has started and it hasn’t been too bad. My classes seem pretty interesting and most teachers seem nice. Hopefully it stays that way. I only have four classes this quarter which is not too bad, but I have a bunch of other stuff that needs to be done.

Business Leadership with Mike Baker
Senior English, Broadcast Journalism with Mrs. Tan and Fredericks
AP Psychology with  Mrs. Diehl
Spanish with Ms. Voce

The next few weeks will be busy. This friday is the Senior Party at the LaTours on Lamma Island. Next week, most likely I will be traveling up to China along with Mr. Schmit and a few other students to work with the US Film Crew for a documentary.

Having only one class every other day is quite boring I have to say. But I am looking forward to having Senior Priviledge so I don’t have to be stuck in school for hours at a time attempting to be productive in the computer lab.

I hope everything is going well. All my People to People friends, I miss you all a lot. It’s different waking up and not being able to have breakfast and joke around. For those who were back in town this summer and I didn’t get a chance to meet up with you, I am so sorry. Hopefully we’ll be able to catch up soon!

Scott, I hope the job search is going great, we miss you around!
Mayhughs, can’t wait to see you guys in a few months!
Congrats to Jonathan Lee for getting the job with ATV!

“God will lead you to do great things.”

Cheers,

August 20, 2007.

Begins two hundred students journey for their last year of High School. Exciting? In a way, but I am very unenthused at the moment. I can honestly say I feel like life sucks right now, though I know it doesn’t at all. As Howie Day sings the song “Collide” – Even the best falls down sometime.

College Apps, APs, SATs, classes, all that good stuff.. begins tomorrow. Actually for me, it has began this summer. I’m sure it’s the same for many others. I feel like I didn’t have a summer considering I am nagged every day to read, look at SAT and start college applications. When am I going to have a holiday where I can literally do nothing, sit at home, enjoy the music, enjoy the day out, enjoy the night out with friends?

As much as the nagging happens, you would think I would be use to it by now. Nope, my attitude is still there, whether good or bad. To me, there’s never really a good time to talk to me about school and academics. Well, actually, unless you’re my friend- then it’s fine.

This semester is going to be frustrating. With everything going on, I will be tired and along with the nagging, I will be cranky. I am right now, just not in the greatest mood. So bare with me, please. Sorry in advance.

Haven’t been the greatest week or weekend but it has been nice to see everyone back again. You guys will be the ones keeping me sane this year. Now to look forward to The Senior Sleepover party at the LaTours on Lamma this Friday night.

Sigh.

is all i can say.

Lord, give me strength.